 | Plan your storage space. Be sure to store frequently used items at the front of the unit to avoid having to search for them. Also, store valuable items towards the back of the unit.
Allow for walkways.
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| Do not assume that your homeowner or renter insurance will cover your belongings while in storage. You may need to purchase insurance. Make up an inventory of your stored items and keep it in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box.
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| Appliances must be thoroughly clean and dry. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors slightly open. Remove and discard vacuum cleaner bags.
To save space, fill interiors of appliances with linens, clothes and stuffed toys. Stuff towels between the washing machine and the inner tub of the washing machine to keep the tub from rotating.
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| Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage places for pictures, knickknacks, china, silverware, small items, etc. Wrap them in table clothes, towels, or blankets or packing papers to prevent breakage.
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| Store mattresses and box springs on long edges. Wrap for protection and elevate off of the floor. Use pallets, 2x4’s, plywood... anything that will keep your items off the floor of the storage unit. It is not advised to lean items against the walls of the storage unit.
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| Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard and marked “FRAGILE.” Stand them straight up... never flat.
Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in paper and packed in sturdy boxes. Stack these boxes on top.
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| Make a list of packing materials needed such as boxes, bubble pack, tape, marking pens, rope, drop cloths, mattress and furniture covers, etc...
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| Disassemble beds and mark the pieces so that they are easy to put back together.
Tables having removable legs should be "broken down" to save space.
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| When packing books, pack them in small cartons that weigh no more than 30 lbs. Alternate bindings and cushion them with wadded packing paper.
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| Keep your out-of-season clothes accessible, you may have your belongings in storage longer than anticipated.
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| When you disassemble electronics such as computers and stereos (items that have numerous cables), place small colored stickers on the cable and the same color sticker where the cable goes. If possible, use the original packing for electronic items.
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| Shovels, hoes, rakes, and hoses can be stored together in empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside one another.
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| Make sure surfaces of antiques and other wood furniture are treated before storing.
Wax wood furniture before storing it. Use sheets or cotton cloth to cover furniture.
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| Do not use printed newspaper to pack with. The ink may smudge off on your items.
Never store anything in sealed plastic bags, especially in non-A/C storage. The humidity will cause damage to your goods.
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| Leave a small space between the goods stored and the storage unit’s walls.
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| Do not stack heavy or folded objects where they could shift or collapse when you move or need access.
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| Label boxes by numbers - have the master list separate from your storage space... and never write on the box what its contents are. Label each box as you seal it.
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| Mark “Fragile” on all boxes with breakables.
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| Pack appliances in factory boxes
when ever possible and cushion with wadded (not shredded) packing paper. Shredded paper can get into the machines and cause damage. Wedge doors open while keeping appliances in storage.
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| When packing boxes, try to limit the weight to 30 lbs. or less per box.
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| When wrapping collectibles or anything breakable, tape it after you wrap it. This will keep you from mistaking them for the excess paper you used to fill the box.
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| Clothing that ordinarily hangs in a closet should be packed in a wardrobe carton.
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| CAUTION. It is against the law to store materials that are hazardous or combustible such as gasoline, cleaning fluids, paint, etc... Drain all gasoline from lawnmowers, power tools, boats, snowmobiles, etc. before storing them. Do not store food items which could attract rodents or pests.
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